CHARLOTTE — August is Make-a-Will Month, a national initiative encouraging people to focus on something profoundly important: creating or updating their will.
“More and more people are creating wills because they do not trust state laws to determine how their assets will be divided,” said Jim Kelley, diocesan development director.
While a will determines who inherits your money and property, they also do more. With a will, you can nominate guardians for your minor children, name caretakers for your pets, leave instructions for digital assets, specify your funeral arrangements and more. A will is essential at any age. It provides clear, final instructions for your family and loved ones, helping ease what is often a difficult and confusing time.
A will is not just for the wealthy or the elderly – everyone needs one. If you or a loved one dies without a will, your assets could be distributed according to state laws and not according to your wishes.
Moreover, a will is a wonderful opportunity to leave an impactful legacy by creating detailed directives to support your local parish, school, ministries such as Catholic Charities, the diocese or the diocesan foundation.
“We are receiving phone calls every week from parishioners who are looking for a way to support the Church in their estate plans, because the Church has been such an important part of their life that they want to leave a portion of assets to continue its work after they are gone,” Kelley said.
The Diocese of Charlotte offers several planned giving options, including bequests, endowments, gifts of securities and real estate, life insurance, beneficiary designations and other options to fit your financial situation and wishes. The diocese’s Planned Giving staff can explain your options, answer any questions and discuss next steps.
Already have a will? Be sure to review it frequently. Life changes quickly, and your desires and directives now might differ from your original wishes.
Writing or updating a will can be easy and affordable. Consult with a local attorney to ensure that the will you create is legally binding in your state, get it properly notarized, and give a copy to your loved ones so they have it when the need arises.
Make-a-Will Month is the perfect time to create or revise your will and leave a lasting legacy. The plans you make today will ensure a bright future for generations to come.
— Courtney McLaughlin
Plan ahead
Interested in making a planned gift or setting up an endowment to benefit Catholic Charities, your parish or Catholic school?
You can make a gift through the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation by leaving a bequest in a will, a beneficiary designation from a retirement plan, a trust or annuity, or a gift of real estate, life insurance, cash or securities.
For details, contact Gina Rhodes at 704-370-3364 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
For more end-of-life planning information, explore our Funeral Guide.